What is a primer?

Primers are tools used in teaching reading and writing. Even though a primer is usually designed to be used with a specific literacy method, the primer is not itself a method for teaching reading.

A primer is a book, or series of books, that contains instructional material for teaching reading and writing to beginners or semiliterate learners.

It is normally divided into a series of lessons.

A primer or primer series typically has several parts with different functions. These parts may be all in one book, may be separated into several books, or may not be books at all.

Here are some typical parts of a primer or primer series:

• Preprimer materials

  • Designed for people who have had little or no exposure to reading and writing,
  • Focused on reading readiness skills

• Basic primer materials

  • Designed for people who have reading readiness skills in place
  • Focused on word attack skills, certain basic comprehension skills, and basic reading skills and writing skills

• Postprimer materials

  • Designed for people who have completed a basic reading instruction program
  • Focused on higher level comprehension skills and critical reading skills
• A teacher's guide containing directions for using the materials in the primer or primer series.

The design of a primer or primer series will vary depending on

• the reading and writing program in which it is being used, and
• the needs of the learners.

• Waters, G. 1992a
• TJOWAL

• Borneman 1992:147-167
• Halvorson 1992

• Concept module: primer
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): P
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials

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